Wednesday, June 11, 2008

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is set to grow again. With the help of more than 500 volunteers, representing 35 companies and organizations, the state business organization has begun canvassing the state for new members and additional resources. The goal of this year’s campaign is $1.8 million and 800 new members.

The drive officially started on Wednesday, June 11th, at a luncheon at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel. Headlining the luncheon was keynote speaker, David Nour, Founder - Relationship Economics® and CEO of BeOne Now, Inc. David is a social networking strategist and one of the foremost thought leaders on the quantifiable value of business relationships.

The Kick Off Luncheon also featured remarks by 2008 Campaign Chair Mike Garrett (Georgia Power), who is also the Incoming 2009 Chair of the Georgia Chamber. He was joined by 2008 Membership Co-Chairs Chris Hatcher (Dotcomments, Albany); Mylle Mangum (IBT Enterprises, LLC, Norcross); and Steve Smith (Turner Broadcasting System, Atlanta).

The growth of the state chamber over the past ten years clearly indicates that business takes its role in the formulating public policy seriously. Since 1997, the Georgia Chamber has increased it membership 140% and currently has 4,000 members in 156 counties. Last year's drive raised $1.76 million and brought in 819 new members.

According to George Israel, President & CEO, Georgia Chamber, this year’s effort is crucial. “The 2008 session of the Georgia General Assembly produced legislation that will help make our state stronger, attract new business and generate jobs. This happened only because the business community was involved in the process and remained unified. It is important that this participation continue,” he added.

The Georgia Chamber is the grassroots voice of business, vigorously representing its diverse membership in the public policy arena. As it constantly works to protect Georgia’s enviable pro-business environment, the Georgia Chamber remains mindful of its mission to keep the state economically prosperous, educationally competitive and environmentally responsible.

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